FEATURES of Lake Joondalup were celebrated on Friday as part of World Wetlands Day.

Science Minister Dave Kelly met Joondalup MLA Emily Hamilton, Wanneroo MLA Sabine Winton and ECU scientists at the lake in the lead up to the event.

The theme for 2018 was ‘Wetlands for a sustainable urban future’, with the hope that through the important research being conducted at river systems and lakes around Australia, they will be preserved for years to come.

This year, scientists will be completing studies on wetland vegetation, macroinvertebrate and water quality on the Gnangara Mound in Wanneroo.

“It was fantastic to meet with Minister Kelly to discuss the importance of Lake Joondalup, which is home to a unique composition of flora and fauna,” Ms Hamilton said.

“Science is a crucial part of its survival in a changing climate and I commend the scientists from ECU who are participating in this important research.”

Ms Winton said as a “long time advocate for Lake Nowergup” she was thrilled the government was “placing such an emphasis on continuing the important work of scientific monitoring of our local lake systems”.

“Lake Nowergup to the north of Wanneroo is a perfect example of how important this scientific work has been for our continued understanding of the changing conditions and health of this important wetland,” she said.